Collegiate Spotlight: Alpha Phi Gives Forward

November is one of my favorite months of the year, there’s just so much to celebrate! Everyone is getting into the holiday spirit, ready to spend time with family and friends, and charitable giving is on everyone’s mind. As an Alpha Phi sister, I recognize the importance of philanthropy and am grateful for all the support of our donors. Because of the Alpha Phi Foundation, I have been a recipient of a scholarship to attend the Emerging Leaders Institute, I have worked with some of the most amazing women whom I have ever met, but most importantly I have been entrusted with the chance to empower others. Without the generosity of our donors, none of this would have been possible—but before getting into that, I’d like to introduce myself.

My name is Stephanie Bianco and I am a senior at the University of Toronto, home to the Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Fraternity. Over the last three years I have held various positions from Director of New Member Education to Vice President of Membership Recruitment. Besides my volunteer experience inside of the Xi chapter, I have been a member of Clara’s Circle Leadership Council (CCLC) since my freshmen year.

Clara’s Circle is a giving society constructed specially for collegiate members, where they make an individual gift, are able to motivate their sisters to give and recognize the power of their own philanthropy.

This year, I was approached by several amazing women who believed I would be a great fit for the role of CCLC Chairwoman. In this role, I have been granted the opportunity to energize more than 24,000 collegiate women spread out over 170 college campuses to give back to the organization that has already given us so much. I work with an amazing team comprised of 24 other young women from different campuses across the United States and Canada.

A few months ago I was presented the opportunity to travel to the Alpha Phi Executive Office in Evanston, Illinois for #GivingTuesday. For those of you who aren’t familiar with #GivingTuesday, it is an initiative that takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It has manifested as a movement to create an International day of giving to kick off the holiday season. I am honored to be a part of this year’s #GivingTuesday and look forward to spending a few days at the EO to help with Alpha Phi Foundation’s events and festivities!

Alpha Phi Foundation’s mission is “advancing women’s lives through the power of philanthropy.” What this means to me is giving women the tools to believe in their own self-worth, necessary to achieving their highest potential.I cannot put into words how amazing it is to see the changes firsthand that we, as Alpha Phis, have implemented to advance the lives of women around North America. Through living the Foundation’s mission, we are able to nurture and empower strong leaders. I can’t wait for all of you to see what we have planned for this amazing day!

Wondering what you can do before then? Share Alpha Phi Foundation’s Giving Tuesday news with your Alpha Phi sisters and download our #GivingTuesday checklists so that you can make the most of our #GivingTuesday campaign!

Follow Alpha Phi Foundation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for day of updates, stats and the launch of the #GivingTuesday site!

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